Garment design for use with knife

ABSTRACT

Garment designs are provided that facilitate ready access to a knife. The garments are particularly adapted for wear and use in connection with outdoor-related activities, e.g., fishing, hiking, climbing and the like. Ready access to the knife is facilitated by a releasable pocket flap that retains and covers the knife, while permitting instantaneous access and removal of such knife therefrom. The pocket flap is secured with respect to a garment surface along at least one edge of the flap. However, the pocket flap is not secured with respect to the garment surface along the lower edge thereof which features a releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements. The releasable engagement mechanism secures the knife below the pocket flap until needed and permits ready removal of the knife through a substantially downward motion relative to the pocket flap, thereby disengaging the releasable engagement mechanism and allowing withdrawal of the knife therefrom.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to an advantageous garment design that facilitates ready access to a knife and, more particularly, to a garment design that includes a pocket-like feature for releasably securing a knife. The disclosed garment design has particular application for outdoors-related activities, e.g., fishing, mountain climbing or the like.

2. Background Art

Specialized garments for outdoor-related activities are commonplace. Many garments are designed with water repellant functionality, with reinforced zones, and with enhanced “breathability”. For certain outdoor activities, tight fitting garments are preferred, whereas in other applications, loose fitting garments are desired. In certain instances, bright colored garments are prominent, e.g., for safety reasons, whereas in other instances camouflage styling is preferred. Thus, as is readily apparent, garment manufacture is highly specialized in the outdoor industry, with designs being developed to accommodate specific needs and environmental factors.

In various outdoor-related activities, it is desirable to have a knife readily accessible to the activity participant. For example, fisherman are frequently confronted with the need to cut a line, e.g., when an aggressive fish needs to be cut loose. Indeed, in offshore salt water fishing, an inability to quickly cut a line can pose a safety issue for the fisherman. Similarly, there are instances in climbing/hiking activities where ready access to a knife is highly beneficial, e.g., when it is desirable to cut a rope, vine or the like.

Knives for outdoor activities take many forms. Many knives are sheathed and require sheath removal prior to use. A Swiss Army knife offers various tools, including a blade surface, that are pivotally housed within an outer casing. In the offshore salt water fishing field, a line-cutting knife is generally available to fishermen. The line-cutting knife is of limited quality and is unsheathed so as to permit ready blade access and use. Experienced fishermen generally keep a line-cutting knife close-at-hand when fishing offshore. However, current practice allows for a risk that a line-cutting knife will not be within reach when needed, thereby placing the fisherman at risk of being pulled overboard by a strong fish.

Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for systems/designs that facilitate ready access to a knife, e.g., ready access to a line-cutting knife for offshore fishing applications. In addition, a need remains for systems/designs that offer ready access to an unsheathed knife for individuals involved in outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing activities. These and other needs are satisfied by the disclosed garment design, as described in detail herein below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides advantageous garment designs that facilitate ready access to a knife. The disclosed garments are particularly adapted for wear and use in connection with outdoor-related activities, e.g., fishing, hiking, climbing and the like. In exemplary implementations of the disclosed garment design, ready-knife access is facilitated by a releasable pocket flap that retains and covers the knife, while permitting instantaneous access and removal of such knife therefrom. The disclosed pocket flap is advantageously secured with respect to an underlying garment surface along (or in proximity to) at least one edge of the flap. However, the pocket flap is not secured with respect to garment surface along the lower edge thereof. Rather, the lower edge advantageously features a releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements (e.g., a Velcro fastening mechanism). The releasable engagement mechanism defines the releasable aspect of the disclosed pocket flap and serves two principal functions: first, it secures the knife below the pocket flap until needed, and second, it permits ready removal of the knife through a substantially downward motion relative to the pocket flap, thereby disengaging the releasable engagement mechanism and allowing withdrawal of the knife therefrom.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed releasable pocket flap is positioned in the chest region of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls or the like. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the releasable pocket flap is positioned in the torso region of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls or the like. It further exemplary embodiments, the releasable pocket flap is positioned in the torso region of pants, overalls, shorts, skirt or the like. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, symmetric pairs of releasable pocket flaps are provided on a garment to facilitate use by right-handed and left-handed individuals. Alternatively, garments may be fabricated as right-handed versions (with pocket flap on left side of garment) and left-handed versions (with pocket flap on right side of garment).

The disclosed pocket flaps are particularly adapted to offer ready access to an unsheathed knife for individuals involved in outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing activities. In exemplary embodiments/combinations of the present disclosure, a conventional line-cutting knife that features an aperture/opening in the handle thereof is positioned below the flap, with the releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements, aligned with the knife's aperture/opening and the blade extending upwardly relative thereto. In such combination, the knife handle is exposed and accessible below the releasable pocket flap. The knife is releasable secured with respect to the garment through interaction between the releasable engagement mechanism and the noted aperture/opening in the knife handle.

When an individual requires the knife, he/she grasps the exposed handle and pulls substantially downward and/or outward relative to the garment. In response to such pulling force, the releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, are disengaged and the knife comes free of the garment. Convenient positioning of the pocket flap facilitates ready access to the knife, e.g., an unsheathed line-cutting knife. Moreover, by associating the releasable pocket with a garment that is particularly suited to the outdoor activity of interest, e.g., offshore fishing, the individual is assured of having access to a knife without any required forethought on his/her part. In this way, enhanced safety is offered to users of the disclosed specialty garment(s).

Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed garment designs will be apparent from the description which follow, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURE(S)

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed garment designs, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary jacket that includes a releasable pocket flap and unsheathed knife according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of an exemplary garment that shows an exemplary releasable pocket flap according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary pocket flap pivoted “open” so as to show underlying elements of the disclosed garment design; and

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary, conventional knife (prior art) for use with the disclosed jacket/pocket flap.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Advantageous garment designs are provided herein, such garment designs including, inter alia, a releasable pocket flap that facilitates storage/retention of a knife and ready access thereto. The disclosed garments are particularly adapted for wear and use in connection with outdoor-related activities, e.g., fishing, hiking, climbing and the like. The releasable pocket flap is secured with respect to an underlying garment surface along (or in proximity to) at least one edge of the flap other than the bottom edge. Thus, the releasable pocket flap is the antithesis of a true pocket, which is necessarily secured with respect to a garment along a bottom edge thereof. The pocket flap is positioned on an outer surface of the garment, which can take a variety of forms, e.g., a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls, pants, shorts, skirt or the like. The releasable pocket flap may be located in an anatomically convenient location and, in exemplary embodiments, symmetric pairs of releasable pocket flaps are provided on a garment to facilitate use by right-handed and left-handed individuals. Alternatively, garments may be fabricated as right-handed versions (with pocket flap on left side of garment) and left-handed versions (with pocket flap on right side of garment).

A releasable engagement mechanism is advantageously positioned in proximity to the lower edge of the packet flap, e.g., hook-and-loop fastener elements (e.g., a Velcro fastening mechanism). The releasable engagement mechanism is generally sized and configured to cooperate with a knife element, e.g., a knife handle that includes an aperture/opening defined therein. The releasable aspect of the disclosed pocket flap functions to secure the knife below the pocket flap until needed, and permits ready removal therefrom. The releasable engagement mechanism is overcome (i.e., released) by moving the knife in a substantially downward and/or outward direction relative to the pocket flap. The noted knife motion is advantageously imparted by grasping the handle, which is exposed relative to the pocket flap, and pulling the knife from the garment. The noted structural arrangement permits rapid and unimpeded access to a knife in times of need.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary garment 10 is depicted with a releasable pocket flap 12 positioned in a chest region thereof. Exemplary garment 10 takes the form of a hooded jacket, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, garment 10 may take a variety of forms, including without limitation, a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls, pants, shorts, skirt or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket flap 12 is positioned in the left chest region of garment 10. So positioned, the pocket flap 12 and associated knife 14 are conveniently positioned for access by a right-handed user. An exemplary, prior art knife 14 for use with the disclosed garment is depicted in FIG. 4. Symmetric pairs of releasable pocket flaps 12 may be provided on garment 10 to facilitate use by right-handed and left-handed individuals, with a second pocket flap 12 (not pictured) positioned in the right chest region. Alternatively, pocket flap 12 could be repositioned on garment 10 with the pocket flap in the right chest region of garment 10, or in a variety of alternative anatomical locations, e.g., in an upper arm sleeve and/or torso region of garment 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, a knife 14 is positioned below pocket flap 12 and includes a handle 15 that extends from a bottom edge 21 of the releasable pocket flap 12. Handle 15 of knife 14 defines an aperture/opening 16 that extends into the obscured region below pocket flap 12. The knife blade (not pictured) is positioned in the region between the outer surface of the garment 10 and the undersurface of the pocket flap 12. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, knife 14 takes the form of a conventional line-cutting knife for fishing applications.

Pocket flap 12 is secured with respect to garment 10 along a top edge 17. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, pocket flap 12 is secured to garment 10 by stitching 18. However, alternative means for securing pocket flap 12 with respect to garment 10 may be employed, e.g., glue, melt-bonding, buttons, zippers and the like. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, pocket flap 12 is secured to garment 10 along a single edge thereof. However, it is contemplated that the pocket flap 12 may be secured along alternative edges, e.g., side edges 19 or 19′, or multiple edges, e.g., top edge 18 and side edge 19, or along partial edge(s), e.g., only along a portion of top edge 18, provided that bottom edge 21 is substantially free from (i.e., not secured with respect to) garment 10.

With reference to FIG. 3, pocket flap 12 is depicted in an upwardly pivoted/rotated position so as to expose underlying features of the disclosed garment 10 and pocket flap 12. In particular, releasable engagement mechanism 24, 26, which according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure takes the form of cooperating hook-and-loop fasteners. Thus, one aspect of releasable engagement mechanism 24 is secured or mounted to the underside of pocket flap 12, adjacent or in proximity to bottom edge 21, and the other aspect of releasable engagement mechanism 26 is secured or mounted to the outer surface of garment 10. Aspects 24, 26 are positioned such that they will align or substantially align when pocket flap 12 is pivoted/rotated downward into overlying relation with garment 10 (as shown in FIG. 2). Although both aspects 24, 26 are shown as discretely sized elements, it is contemplated that one or both of aspects 24, 26 may be of enlarged dimension so as to reduce the criticality of alignment to achieve releasable engagement thereof.

In use and with initial reference to FIG. 3, a knife (not pictured) is positioned relative to aspect 26 of the releasable engagement mechanism such the perimeter of an aperture/opening formed in the handle of the knife surrounds aspect 26. Pocket flap 12 is then pivoted/rotated downward such that aspect 24 of the releasable engagement mechanism releasably engages aspect 26. In this way, the knife is secured relative to garment 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The blade extends upward relative to garment 10 and is protected between garment 10 and pocket flap 12.

When the knife is needed, an individual need only pull the handle of the knife down and/or away relative to the garment. Such pulling force easily overcomes the engagement between aspects 24, 26 of the releasable engagement mechanism, thereby releasing the knife therefrom. The knife is easily replaced below pocket flap by repeating the placement process described herein.

Various modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. For example, reinforcement elements may be positioned in the knife receiving region of the garment. Thus, a lining (e.g., leather) may be positioned on the garment and/or the underside of the pocket flap to provide enhanced knife-related protection. It is also contemplated that the pocket flap may be positioned above a conventional pocket, thereby providing both functionalities in the same garment location.

As noted herein, the disclosed pocket flaps are particularly adapted to offer ready access to an unsheathed knife for individuals involved in outdoor activities, e.g., offshore fishing activities. Thus, a conventional line-cutting knife that features an aperture or opening in the handle may be readily accessed and disengaged from a garment for immediate use. When an individual requires the knife, he/she grasps the exposed handle and pulls substantially downward and/or outward relative to the garment. In response to such pulling force, the releasable engagement mechanism, e.g., hook-and-loop fasteners, are disengaged and the knife comes free of the garment. Convenient positioning of the pocket flap facilitates ready access to the knife without any required forethought on the individual's part, e.g., by locating and positioning a knife for ready access.

Although the garment designs of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/or implementations. Rather, the garment designs of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosed embodiments. 

1. A garment, comprising: (a) at least one garment surface; (b) a pocket flap mounted with respect to said at least one garment surface along or adjacent to a portion of at least one pocket flap edge, said mounting being along or adjacent to an edge other than a bottom edge of said pocket flap; and (c) a releasable engagement mechanism positioned adjacent the bottom edge of said pocket flap, said releasable engagement mechanism being configured and dimensioned to releasably secure a knife relative to said at least one garment surface and said pocket flap.
 2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one garment surface is associated with a garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls, pants, shorts and skirt.
 3. A garment according to claim 1, further comprising a second pocket flap and a second releasable engagement mechanism positioned on said at least one garment surface.
 4. A garment according to claim 1, further comprising a knife positioned between said pocket flap and said at least one garment surface.
 5. A garment according to claim 4, wherein said knife includes a handle that defines at least one aperture or opening that cooperates with the releasable engagement mechanism.
 6. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the pocket flap is secured with respect to the at least one garment surface along at least a portion of a top edge thereof.
 7. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the pocket flap is mounted with respect to the at least one garment surface by stitching.
 8. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one garment surface includes water repellant functionality.
 9. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the releasable engagement mechanism includes hook-and-loop fasteners.
 10. In combination: (a) a garment that includes: (i) at least one garment surface; (ii) a pocket flap mounted with respect to said at least one garment surface along or adjacent to a portion of at least one pocket flap edge, said mounting being along or adjacent to an edge other than a bottom edge of said pocket flap; and (iii) a releasable engagement mechanism positioned adjacent the bottom edge of said pocket flap, said releasable engagement mechanism being configured and dimensioned to releasably secure a knife relative to said at least one garment surface and said pocket flap; and (b) a knife releasably engaged by said releasable engagement mechanism
 11. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the at least one garment surface is associated with a garment selected from the group consisting of a shirt, sweatshirt, vest, jacket, windbreaker, overalls, pants, shorts and skirt.
 12. A combination according to claim 10, further comprising a second pocket flap and a second releasable engagement mechanism positioned on said at least one garment surface.
 13. A combination according to claim 10, wherein said knife includes a handle that defines at least one aperture or opening that cooperates with the releasable engagement mechanism.
 14. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the pocket flap is secured with respect to the at least one garment surface along at least a portion of a top edge thereof.
 15. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the pocket flap is mounted with respect to the at least one garment surface by stitching.
 16. A combination according to claim 10, wherein the knife is a line-cutting knife adapted for fishing applications. 